Sequins and sunlight

(Priorities vest, Alice + Olivia sequin dress, J.Crew belt, Kenneth Cole boots, F21 glasses)

From that sharp bob cut she rocked in her "Umbrella" music video to the crimson corkscrew curls she sports today, Rihanna remains one of my all-time favorite celebrities who's constantly pushing the envelope, reinventing herself, taking risks. In the April 2011 issue of Vogue, she said,

"When I am putting looks together, I dare myself to make something work. I always look for the most interesting silhouette or something that’s a little off, but I have to figure it out. I have to make it me. I think that’s the thrill in fashion."

Rihanna has cobbled together looks that are inspiring and wildly creative, ones that make me think she's a kind of fashion genius. And then there are outfits that have left me confused or disappointed. But while another starlet strutting down the red carpet in a pretty LBD may look perfectly polished, Rihanna's never bored me with predictable style. So when I threw on this crazy ensemble - sequin mini dress, combat boots, a skinny fluorescent orange belt - I made sure to keep RiRi's words of wisdom in mind, daring myself to try and make it work!

To be a Tyrant

(Farahbella dress from Pixie Market, F21 tights & flower ring & hoops, Zara belt, Wilfred blazer, GUESS? boots, personalized Tyrant nameplate necklace, Tyrant 5 chain fringe bracelet, Tyrant leather charm wrap bracelet, Kimski chain purse, ObscuredCouture rhinestone-studded glasses)

Photos by Catharine Acurso.

As a fashion blogger, I've been very, very lucky to come across some amazing individuals. Two of them include Ty and Brandon, the creative geniuses behind Tyrant Collection. They were kind enough to craft one of their signature nameplate necklaces for me. I love the modern simplicity of the design - a sleek, sterling silver rectangle with my name etched in capitals on the front. Their butter-soft braided leather bracelet with its dangling charms (a skull, a crown, a wing and more), which I wear wrapped around my wrist four times, has also become my talisman recently. Each hand forged Tyrant piece feels personalized and incredibly special. The proof lies in the fact that every single time I wear their jewelry, no matter where I go, people fall in love with it.